Retailers enact ID policy for violent games

WASHINGTON {AP} Young people itching to wreak virtual havoc with an Uzi via their Playstation will have to bring along a parent if they want to buy a violent video game from some major retailers.

Kmart announced Thursday it will refuse sale of mature-rated games to anyone under 17, using a barcode scanner that will prompt cashiers to ask for identification from youths.

After Kmart's news conference in Washington, Wal-Mart announced it would enact the same policy. In a letter last month to Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, the president of Toys R Us said the practice is already in place at his company's stores.

Kmart executives said they believe their policy lets parents make decisions about video games.

"A step of responsibility that gets the parents involved is a smart step, rather than just walking away from the issue and letting someone else deal with it," said Shawn Kahle, Kmart's vice president of corporate affairs.